Panasonic LUMIX G97 vs Panasonic LUMIX GH5S
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 (2025) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 10.2MP) and in-body stabilisation. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97 if…
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 20.3MP resolves noticeably more than 10.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $699, about $1,798 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 530g (1.17 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 660g (1.46 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 12fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 launched at $699, $1,798 under the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G97 has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Resolution: 20.3MP on the Panasonic LUMIX G97 vs 10.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Card slots: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is 530g (1.17 lb) vs 660g (1.46 lb) — 130g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G97 or the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 (2025) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 10.2MP) and in-body stabilisation. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97 if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 20.3MP resolves noticeably more than 10.2MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens. Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $699, about $1,798 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 530g (1.17 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 660g (1.46 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 12fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G97 and the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S?
Video: the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | Digital Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 20.3 MP | 10.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 160 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | 80 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | − | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps | 12 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log L | V-Log L / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | − | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | − | 225 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 49 | − |
| Low Light AF | − | -5 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 3.68M dots |
| EVF Magnification | − | 0.76x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M dots | 1.62M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $2,497 |
| Body Material | − | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 130.4×93.5×77.4 mm | 138.5×98.1×87.4 mm |
| Weight | 530g (1.17 lb) | 660g (1.46 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | 300 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | − | 350 shots |
| Battery Type | − | DMW-BLF19 |
